Archives
April 2006
4/30/06
4/30/06
4/30/06
4/30/06
4/30/06
4/29/06
4/29/06
4/29/06
4/26/06
…and Into the Draft, Not a Draught
4/19/06
4/9/06
4/4/06
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
7:22:00 PM EDT
Feeling Mischievous
Hearing A Bit of Styx - Crystal Ball
If you should see me walking
Through your dreams at night
Would you please direct me
Where I ought to be
I’ve been looking for a crystal ball
To shed the light
To find a future in me... Crystal ball
There’s so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
While your humble brewmaster does have an extensive collection of crystal, most of the ménage consists of mugs, steins and stemware. Even an ornate crystal elephant graces the shelves, but that is another story. However, there is no globe of gleaming glass upon my shelves into which I can see the future.
That said, why should I not venture out on a limb, and share my opinions of our beloved Bird's needs, and offer a purely conjectural pontification into what Saturday and Sunday holds for the 2006 Draft.
Your bierman has been clear as pale ale on expressing his vision of the Eagles weaknesses: Defensive pressure; Pass coverage in the flat; Rushing the ball; Upgrading at wide receiver.
In the free agency market, the Eagles made strides to address several of these issues. Darren Howard was brought in to bookend the defensive line with Jevon Kearse. Linebacker Shawn Barber has returned from Kansas City to live a déjà vu moment; resurrecting his career in Philadelphia after a devastating injury. Depth was added to the passing game in the forms of WR Jabar Gaffney and TE Matt Schobel. John Runyan signed a three-year deal that will keep him an Eagle until the end of his career.
While not a pressing need for the 2006 season, Safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis, as well as Corner Back Roderick Hood, are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at season's end. As evidenced by the 2002 draft when the Eagles went secondary-heavy, the team generally restocks positions where free agency may affect the team by drafting the replacements, and allowing them to learn from the experienced vets.
Another position that may be effected by free agency in the near future is Defensive Tackle, where stalwarts Hollis Thomas and Paul Grasmanis have their contracts ending this year. In addition, center Hank Fraley will also become a free agent after 2006. Tra Thomas has become injury prone, and in spite of him being signed through 2008, may be on the Eagles replacement block should he not return to his former Pro-Bowl form. The Eagles had addressed the offensive line situation over the past two drafts, and through un-drafted free agents, but the apparent need for a true stud to replace Thomas is there.
The Eagles have 10 picks currently in this year's draft. Here is the order of each of the picks:
1 14
2 45
3 76
4 108
4 116 (Through Dallas)
4 127 (Through Indianapolis)
5 147
5 168 (Compensatory)
6 204 (Compensatory)
7 220
Once again, the Eagles are stocked for draft picks. Based upon what little news and rumor I have been able to glean from the Eagles website and other news sources, here is my humbling attempt at predicting Andy Reid's moves this coming weekend.
Round 1: Over the past two weeks, the most prevalent rumor emanating from the NovaCare Mothership is in regard to the teams' interest in USC Offensive Tackle Winston Justice. Justice is an incredibly athletic 6'6", 320LB specimen with solid footwork on pass blocking and proven ability to open holes in opposing defenses for the running game. Rumors have emerged about the Eagles already talking trade into the Top 10 to nab the Trojan, and grooming a replacement for Thomas makes solid sense.
Potential trade partners for the Eagles moving up are the Lions and Cardinals. Tennessee, New York Jets, Green Bay and San Francisco and Buffalo have needs under center. While the Lions have many holes to fill, their predominate need at the QB position, and this year's QB jewels, Matt Lienart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler, could very well be off the board by Detroit's No. 9 pick.
The Lions may feel that this position can be addressed with a later pick, and with the upgrades this team needs across the board, getting the Eagles No. 14 pick, and perhaps one (or possibly two) of the Eagles 4th round picks might be to their best advantage.
The Cardinals made the largest free agent splash this season by signing former Colts standout Edgerrin James (eye-popping stat on James in 2005: 360 carries: ONE fumble!) to add to their already talented offensive stable of Warner, Bouldin and Fitzgerald. Dennis Green is a very defensive-minded coach, and the need in Tempe is for defensive backs. As deep as this draft is at all positions, the No. 10 pick may very well be a waste looking for top-flight defensive backfield help, so trading down and garnering more picks also makes sense.
What I think will happen here is the Eagles will make a deal with Detroit, trading the No. 14 pick, and the No. 108 pick in the fourth round for the Lions No 9 pick, and Winston Justice being drafted to secure the Eagles offensive line for the next decade.
Round 2: At this pick, it's my gut feeling that the Eagles will address the depth at the Safety position. Brian Dawkins is a fan favorite in Philadelphia, and a strong presence in both the locker room and on the field, and I feel, will be offered a contract extension by the end of the season. In spite of that, grooming his successor, and adding to the size and hitting capability of the middle of the Eagles D seems to fit in well with the Eagles past drafting history.
With teams such as the aforementioned Cardinals and Lions, plus the Giants needing help in their defensive backfields, it is a sure thing the top two rated safeties, Donte Whitner and Daniel Bullocks will be off the board. Should third-rated prospect Darnell Bing be available (and I am going to guess he will be, as safety is the least-drafted first round player), his size, athleticism, support of the run and blitzing ability would be a perfect fit for the Eagles. Should he be available, this will be the Eagles pick at No. 45.
Should he not, the next safety who possess the size and strength needs for the Eagles defense would be the 7th rated safety, Pat Watkins. In the Meister's opinion, Wadkins would be available for the Eagles No 76 pick in the Third Round, So, as the back-up second round selection for the Eagles, I see Oklahoma's Dusty Dvoracek as the Eagles pick at No. 45. Dvoracek is the 8th rated DT in the draft this year by The Sporting News, is big at 310 lbs, runs a sub-five second 40, and is smart, popping a 41 on the Wonderlick. Big, strong, smart and fast fits well on the Eagles defensive line.
Round 3: Should the second round hold true to what my initial picks are, the Eagles should be looking at adding a stud to replace potential free agents Grasmanis and Hollis Thomas. The ideal candidate would be a run-stopper, yet still have an explosive first step to be able to apply pressure up the middle. Reid and company have never been afraid of looking to the smaller schools for their man, and this year, that look may just be at the BYU Cougars.
Anchoring the Cougars defensive line is 6-2 1/2, 302 mass of a man named Manaia Brown. Brown is noted for his athleticism and physical play, but does come with the downside of not giving 100 percent effort at all times. He's noted as being very coachable, however, and with improved technique, will be a fine NFL interior lineman for years to come.
Of course, should the Eagles have selected Dvoracek in the second round, I see Pat Watkins being selected here as the alternative selection.
Round 4: In my mock, the Eagles have two selections here, as their 108th pick was traded to Detroit to select Winston Justice. Having addressed the DL, Secondary, and OL with the first three picks, the Eagles will more than likely use the 116 pick from Dallas for a position need, and the 127th pick from Indianapolis for a best available athlete pick.
Looking at the Eagles needs here, the images appearing in the suds of my MPA is of a left outside linebacker. Dhani Jones is signed through the 2007 season, and now is the time to groom an athlete to learn the intricacies of Jimmy Johnson's D. Thomas Howard of UTEP would be an ideal fit with Johnson's D, however it is doubtful that he will be available at pick 108. Leon Williams of Miami would be an attractive alternative, at 6-3 and 245 LB. He's got 4.5 speed in the 40, and experience at all three LB positions. He does possess a big downside as he is prone to bite on fakes, and over-pursue plays.
Since this selection is being used for a developing player, the Biermeister is looking hard here at Louisville Cardinal stand-out Brandon Johnson for the Eagles selection here. Johnson is tall at 6-4, but as an under-classman, is still developing his strength. He has 4.44 speed in the 40, and is capable of making plays from sideline to sideline. This aspect would make him an ace on the Special Teams, where the Eagles love to groom their defensive replacements.
At 127, and using the best athlete available theory, this guess at this pick is purely a crap shoot. (And in predicting a draft this deep, what pick isn't?) An interesting player who may very well be available at this pick is BYU WR Todd Watkins. (No, I am not enamored with the last name Watkins! What makes Watkins such and intriguing selection is his size at 6-2, 202 LB and his eye-popping 4.32 speed in the 40. Watkins is indeed a prospect, and many have him rated as a fifth-round pick, but there is one thing you can not teach a player, and that is speed.
Rounds 5-7: The Eagles have two 5th round picks, one compensatory 6th rounder and one 7th round selection rounding out the draft's second day. Picking specific players this deep into a draft is a fool's endeavor, and as I said, a sphere of crystal is not on my glass collection. Andy Reid and staff have been utilizing the late rounds to find solid players since coming to Philadelphia. Don't be surprised if the Eagles draft the likes of Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka, Southwest Texas State's Fred Evans or Hofstra's Marques Colston. One last player I'd not be surprised to see wind up on the Eagles draft list is Safety Justin Hamilton of VA Tech. At 6-2 and 218LB, Hamilton would be a solid run-support safety, and with 4.5 40 speed, could be an effective cover man against most opposing Tight Ends and Slot Receivers.
Who knows what the draft will bring? In assessing the Eagles needs and weaknesses, if nothing else, the Bierman hopes to have brought you some enjoyable reading as well as a topic for discussion between now and Saturday.
Also, be sure to click the "Notify Me When New Entries Are Posted" link so you will be informed when and where my private NFL Draft Party will be located on AOL this Saturday. We'll be regs-only, so the discussion will be fast and friendly.
As always, thank you for reading!
Written by mrbiersnob Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | 
digg this
7:22:00 PM EDT
Feeling Mischievous
Hearing A Bit of Styx - Crystal Ball
…and Into the Draft, Not a Draught
If you should see me walking
Through your dreams at night
Would you please direct me
Where I ought to be
I’ve been looking for a crystal ball
To shed the light
To find a future in me... Crystal ball
There’s so many things I need to know
Crystal ball
While your humble brewmaster does have an extensive collection of crystal, most of the ménage consists of mugs, steins and stemware. Even an ornate crystal elephant graces the shelves, but that is another story. However, there is no globe of gleaming glass upon my shelves into which I can see the future.
That said, why should I not venture out on a limb, and share my opinions of our beloved Bird's needs, and offer a purely conjectural pontification into what Saturday and Sunday holds for the 2006 Draft.
Your bierman has been clear as pale ale on expressing his vision of the Eagles weaknesses: Defensive pressure; Pass coverage in the flat; Rushing the ball; Upgrading at wide receiver.
In the free agency market, the Eagles made strides to address several of these issues. Darren Howard was brought in to bookend the defensive line with Jevon Kearse. Linebacker Shawn Barber has returned from Kansas City to live a déjà vu moment; resurrecting his career in Philadelphia after a devastating injury. Depth was added to the passing game in the forms of WR Jabar Gaffney and TE Matt Schobel. John Runyan signed a three-year deal that will keep him an Eagle until the end of his career.
While not a pressing need for the 2006 season, Safeties Brian Dawkins and Michael Lewis, as well as Corner Back Roderick Hood, are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents at season's end. As evidenced by the 2002 draft when the Eagles went secondary-heavy, the team generally restocks positions where free agency may affect the team by drafting the replacements, and allowing them to learn from the experienced vets.
Another position that may be effected by free agency in the near future is Defensive Tackle, where stalwarts Hollis Thomas and Paul Grasmanis have their contracts ending this year. In addition, center Hank Fraley will also become a free agent after 2006. Tra Thomas has become injury prone, and in spite of him being signed through 2008, may be on the Eagles replacement block should he not return to his former Pro-Bowl form. The Eagles had addressed the offensive line situation over the past two drafts, and through un-drafted free agents, but the apparent need for a true stud to replace Thomas is there.
The Eagles have 10 picks currently in this year's draft. Here is the order of each of the picks:
1 14
2 45
3 76
4 108
4 116 (Through Dallas)
4 127 (Through Indianapolis)
5 147
5 168 (Compensatory)
6 204 (Compensatory)
7 220
Once again, the Eagles are stocked for draft picks. Based upon what little news and rumor I have been able to glean from the Eagles website and other news sources, here is my humbling attempt at predicting Andy Reid's moves this coming weekend.
Round 1: Over the past two weeks, the most prevalent rumor emanating from the NovaCare Mothership is in regard to the teams' interest in USC Offensive Tackle Winston Justice. Justice is an incredibly athletic 6'6", 320LB specimen with solid footwork on pass blocking and proven ability to open holes in opposing defenses for the running game. Rumors have emerged about the Eagles already talking trade into the Top 10 to nab the Trojan, and grooming a replacement for Thomas makes solid sense.
Potential trade partners for the Eagles moving up are the Lions and Cardinals. Tennessee, New York Jets, Green Bay and San Francisco and Buffalo have needs under center. While the Lions have many holes to fill, their predominate need at the QB position, and this year's QB jewels, Matt Lienart, Vince Young and Jay Cutler, could very well be off the board by Detroit's No. 9 pick.
The Lions may feel that this position can be addressed with a later pick, and with the upgrades this team needs across the board, getting the Eagles No. 14 pick, and perhaps one (or possibly two) of the Eagles 4th round picks might be to their best advantage.
The Cardinals made the largest free agent splash this season by signing former Colts standout Edgerrin James (eye-popping stat on James in 2005: 360 carries: ONE fumble!) to add to their already talented offensive stable of Warner, Bouldin and Fitzgerald. Dennis Green is a very defensive-minded coach, and the need in Tempe is for defensive backs. As deep as this draft is at all positions, the No. 10 pick may very well be a waste looking for top-flight defensive backfield help, so trading down and garnering more picks also makes sense.
What I think will happen here is the Eagles will make a deal with Detroit, trading the No. 14 pick, and the No. 108 pick in the fourth round for the Lions No 9 pick, and Winston Justice being drafted to secure the Eagles offensive line for the next decade.
Round 2: At this pick, it's my gut feeling that the Eagles will address the depth at the Safety position. Brian Dawkins is a fan favorite in Philadelphia, and a strong presence in both the locker room and on the field, and I feel, will be offered a contract extension by the end of the season. In spite of that, grooming his successor, and adding to the size and hitting capability of the middle of the Eagles D seems to fit in well with the Eagles past drafting history.
With teams such as the aforementioned Cardinals and Lions, plus the Giants needing help in their defensive backfields, it is a sure thing the top two rated safeties, Donte Whitner and Daniel Bullocks will be off the board. Should third-rated prospect Darnell Bing be available (and I am going to guess he will be, as safety is the least-drafted first round player), his size, athleticism, support of the run and blitzing ability would be a perfect fit for the Eagles. Should he be available, this will be the Eagles pick at No. 45.
Should he not, the next safety who possess the size and strength needs for the Eagles defense would be the 7th rated safety, Pat Watkins. In the Meister's opinion, Wadkins would be available for the Eagles No 76 pick in the Third Round, So, as the back-up second round selection for the Eagles, I see Oklahoma's Dusty Dvoracek as the Eagles pick at No. 45. Dvoracek is the 8th rated DT in the draft this year by The Sporting News, is big at 310 lbs, runs a sub-five second 40, and is smart, popping a 41 on the Wonderlick. Big, strong, smart and fast fits well on the Eagles defensive line.
Round 3: Should the second round hold true to what my initial picks are, the Eagles should be looking at adding a stud to replace potential free agents Grasmanis and Hollis Thomas. The ideal candidate would be a run-stopper, yet still have an explosive first step to be able to apply pressure up the middle. Reid and company have never been afraid of looking to the smaller schools for their man, and this year, that look may just be at the BYU Cougars.
Anchoring the Cougars defensive line is 6-2 1/2, 302 mass of a man named Manaia Brown. Brown is noted for his athleticism and physical play, but does come with the downside of not giving 100 percent effort at all times. He's noted as being very coachable, however, and with improved technique, will be a fine NFL interior lineman for years to come.
Of course, should the Eagles have selected Dvoracek in the second round, I see Pat Watkins being selected here as the alternative selection.
Round 4: In my mock, the Eagles have two selections here, as their 108th pick was traded to Detroit to select Winston Justice. Having addressed the DL, Secondary, and OL with the first three picks, the Eagles will more than likely use the 116 pick from Dallas for a position need, and the 127th pick from Indianapolis for a best available athlete pick.
Looking at the Eagles needs here, the images appearing in the suds of my MPA is of a left outside linebacker. Dhani Jones is signed through the 2007 season, and now is the time to groom an athlete to learn the intricacies of Jimmy Johnson's D. Thomas Howard of UTEP would be an ideal fit with Johnson's D, however it is doubtful that he will be available at pick 108. Leon Williams of Miami would be an attractive alternative, at 6-3 and 245 LB. He's got 4.5 speed in the 40, and experience at all three LB positions. He does possess a big downside as he is prone to bite on fakes, and over-pursue plays.
Since this selection is being used for a developing player, the Biermeister is looking hard here at Louisville Cardinal stand-out Brandon Johnson for the Eagles selection here. Johnson is tall at 6-4, but as an under-classman, is still developing his strength. He has 4.44 speed in the 40, and is capable of making plays from sideline to sideline. This aspect would make him an ace on the Special Teams, where the Eagles love to groom their defensive replacements.
At 127, and using the best athlete available theory, this guess at this pick is purely a crap shoot. (And in predicting a draft this deep, what pick isn't?) An interesting player who may very well be available at this pick is BYU WR Todd Watkins. (No, I am not enamored with the last name Watkins! What makes Watkins such and intriguing selection is his size at 6-2, 202 LB and his eye-popping 4.32 speed in the 40. Watkins is indeed a prospect, and many have him rated as a fifth-round pick, but there is one thing you can not teach a player, and that is speed.
Rounds 5-7: The Eagles have two 5th round picks, one compensatory 6th rounder and one 7th round selection rounding out the draft's second day. Picking specific players this deep into a draft is a fool's endeavor, and as I said, a sphere of crystal is not on my glass collection. Andy Reid and staff have been utilizing the late rounds to find solid players since coming to Philadelphia. Don't be surprised if the Eagles draft the likes of Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka, Southwest Texas State's Fred Evans or Hofstra's Marques Colston. One last player I'd not be surprised to see wind up on the Eagles draft list is Safety Justin Hamilton of VA Tech. At 6-2 and 218LB, Hamilton would be a solid run-support safety, and with 4.5 40 speed, could be an effective cover man against most opposing Tight Ends and Slot Receivers.
Who knows what the draft will bring? In assessing the Eagles needs and weaknesses, if nothing else, the Bierman hopes to have brought you some enjoyable reading as well as a topic for discussion between now and Saturday.
Also, be sure to click the "Notify Me When New Entries Are Posted" link so you will be informed when and where my private NFL Draft Party will be located on AOL this Saturday. We'll be regs-only, so the discussion will be fast and friendly.
As always, thank you for reading!
Written by mrbiersnob Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
4/27/06 3:16 PM